Effect of arching on active earth pressure distribution against braced wall

Abstract

ABSTRACT Active earth pressure distribution against the braced wall depends on the mode of wall movement, which may be translational or rotational. The pressure distribution is generally non-linear resulting from arching effects. Here new formulations are proposed for calculation of active earth pressure above and below cut level of braced excavation considering arching effects. Horizontal translation as well as rotation about the top of wall is accounted for above excavation level whereas in case of below cut level it is assumed that the wall is tilting around its lower edge. Expressions for earth pressure coefficient and soil deformation profile are also provided analysing the equilibrium condition of soil within failure zone. In order to find out effects of major soil parameters like soil friction angle ‘ϕ’, wall friction angle ‘δ’ and cohesion ‘c’, parametric studies are carried out. The prposed formulations are validated with existing case studies and found satisfactory results.